Bolton boss admits that on loan Arsenal star has found life difficult on loan

Bolton manager Jimmy Phillips has admitted that on loan Arsenal forward Wellington Silva has found life tough on loan at Bolton Wanderers this season. The Brazilian has spent the season with the Lancashire club, who have been relegated from the Championship and have endured acute financial problems.

Wellington underwhelmed in this environment and struggled for fitness too. Phillips said of the Brazilian, “It’s been a big culture change from Spain, which is where he’s played most of his football.

“There’s no doubting he has ability and skill on the ball. But where he fits into a team which is struggling at the wrong end of the table has been more his problem – which formation a manager plays him in.

“He’ll be going back to Arsenal with a bit more experience under his belt and hopefully that will do him good, but it has been difficult for him.”

Wellington turned 23 during the season and will return to Arsenal after Bolton’s final match of the season on Sunday. A move away from the North London club looks likely, with Wellington having failed to impress in a number of loan spells.